Price: Please call 618-553-2291, or email info@bonsellamericana.com
Frame Size (H x L): 20” x 27”
Flag Size (H x L): 9” x 21.5”

Offered is an entirely handsewn thirty-five star flag, crafted during the patriotic fervor of the Civil War era. Flags of this type, made with meticulous attention to detail, served as expressions of national pride. Though the flag's origin and maker remain unknown, its compact size, medallion star pattern, and decorative tassels suggest it may have been intended as a personal or commemorative piece rather than for official use. It bears similarities to "Bible flags," small hand-held flags carried by soldiers or families in Bibles or keepsake boxes as symbols of devotion and patriotism. While Bible flags typically featured simpler construction and unique star arrangements, this flag's elaborate design and quality materials suggest it may have served a purpose beyond that of a traditional Bible flag, perhaps as a commemorative or symbolic piece.

The canton of the flag features a medallion pattern of thirty-five stars, with a large central star representing West Virginia, the newest state to join the Union. The pattern consists of an inner ring of ten stars, an outer ring of twenty stars, and four flanking stars, creating a balanced, symmetrical arrangement. Crafted from fine twill weave wool, the canton retains its color and texture. The stars are sewn with thick, 2-ply S-twist cotton thread, adding durability and definition. This choice of materials and design reflects the craftsmanship typical of nineteenth-century American flag makers.

The flag's red and white stripes are crafted from coarse wool woven in a sturdy twill pattern, imparting a distinctive textured and durable quality. Notably, these stripes are made from wool tape—a material identical to that used on enlisted men's uniforms during the Civil War to designate divisions within the Union Army. This connection not only underscores the flag's historical authenticity but also hints at its potential origin in a military context, reflecting the resourceful use of standard-issue materials during that era.

Each stripe is hand-sewn with a lighter, 2-ply S-twist cotton thread, allowing the colors to remain prominent without visible heavy stitching. The left edge of the flag features a vertical white stripe, while the right edge has a vertical red stripe, both hand-sewn from the same wool as the horizontal stripes. This construction adds strength to the edges and may have been intended to prevent fraying or provide a reinforced border. The stripes and canton are carefully hand-stitched together, showcasing the care and skill involved in the flag's creation.

Decorative cotton tassels in red, white, and blue adorn the flag, resembling those seen on larger flags used for ceremonial purposes. Twisted together to form a sturdy cord that ends in colorful tufts, the tassels enhance the flag’s authenticity and give it the appearance of a flag meant for display. These details reinforce the idea that this flag was crafted with respect for flag-making conventions, even at a smaller scale.

West Virginia's admission as the thirty-fifth state on June 20th, 1863, added a unique chapter to American history, as it symbolized loyalty to the Union amid the Civil War. Originally part of Virginia, the western counties, marked by small farming and industrial labor rather than plantation agriculture, held ideological differences from the east. When Virginia seceded from the Union, western representatives formed the Restored Government of Virginia, which remained loyal and sought statehood. After a process of debate and congressional approval, West Virginia was admitted as a state—an unprecedented move reflecting the complexities of secession, statehood, and loyalty.

With West Virginia’s admission, the thirty-five star flag became the official U.S. flag on July 4th, 1863. This version holds the distinction of being the only official U.S. flag to represent a state admitted during the Civil War. Because it was official for only eighteen months, until July 4th, 1865, when Nevada’s entry brought a thirty-sixth star, it remains one of the rarer counts from the latter half of the nineteenth century. The limited period of its use and the high production of earlier flags contributed to its scarcity, making it especially valuable to collectors.

Today, the thirty-five star flag stands as a symbol of Civil War-era patriotism and the journey of West Virginia’s statehood. Its historical significance and rarity make it highly valued, representing West Virginia’s contribution to the Union’s identity during one of America’s most divided periods. The story of the thirty-fifth star highlights the resilience of Union ideals amid conflict and reflects the complex regional identities that shaped national politics and the Union’s wartime presence.

Provenance: Formerly part of the Richard J. Pierce collection, this flag comes from the holdings of a respected historian and flag collector. Pierce, author of The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit (2005), is well-known for his dedication to preserving and sharing American flags through historical exhibits nationwide. He works closely with museums and historical societies, promoting and coordinating local exhibits to make his artifacts accessible to the public.

Conservation Process: This flag was hand sewn to cotton fabric, and both were hand sewn to a mounting board. To prevent the black dye in the cotton fabric from seeping into the flag, it was first washed in a standard wash and then in a dye setting wash. The flag is positioned behind Optium Museum Acrylic.

Frame: The frame, dating to roughly 1860, is crafted from birdseye maple and features a gold sight. Birdseye maple, known for its distinctive grain pattern, was a popular choice in mid-nineteenth century framing. The gold sight adds an elegant inner border

Condition Report: The flag shows some signs of wear consistent with its age, including fraying at the top right corner and a few small holes and minor tears in the stripes.

Collectability Level: The Extraordinary – Museum Quality Offerings
Date of Origin: 1863-1865
Number of Stars: 35
Associated War: Civil War (1861-1865)
Associated State: West Virginia